Redmi K60 Ultra roundup: Launch date, design, specifications, expected price

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Aug 13, 2023

The Redmi K60 Ultra is Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi’s next flagship phone for the Chinese market. The device will arrive as the successor to the Redmi K50 Ultra from last year. Like its predecessor, the K6 Ultra is expected to remain exclusive to the Chinese market. Just as a tweaked version of the K50 Ultra was released with the Xiaomi 12T Pro moniker in the global market, a modified edition of the K60 Ultra is said to launch soon globally under the Xiaomi 13T Pro name. Here is a look at everything that’s known about the K60 Ultra.

Redmi K60 Ultra launch date

The Redmi K60 Ultra is set to launch at 7 pm (local time) on Aug. 14 in China. The event will be live-streamed on Weibo and other streaming platforms in China. Through the same event, Xiaomi will announce other products, such as the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 foldable phone, the Xiaomi Pad 6 Max tablet, and the Xiaomi Band 8 Pro.

Redmi K60 Ultra design

The Redmi K60 Ultra will arrive in cyan and black shades. On the front, it will have a flat display with a centrally aligned punch hole, slim bezels, and an under-display fingerprint scanner. On the glass back, the device has a black-colored protruding camera module. In addition, it will be Redmi’s first phone to come with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. A Xiaomi executive has also hinted that there will be a special white version of the K60 Ultra.

Redmi K60 Ultra specifications (rumored)

The Redmi K60 Ultra will arrive with a 6.67-inch OLED panel that offers a 1.5K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, a P3 color gamut, and 2,600 nits of brightness. The company has already confirmed that the screen will be powered by PixelWorks X7 display chip for an enhanced viewing experience.

There is no information about the front camera of the Redmi K60 Ultra. However, its rear panel is confirmed to feature an OIS-enabled Sony IMX800 50-megapixel primary camera, which will be capable of capturing up to 8K videos. The details of the other cameras on the device are yet to be revealed.

The Dimensity 9200 Plus chip will power the device. The company has already confirmed that its highest variant will offer 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It runs on the Android 13 OS, which is overlaid with MIUI 14.

There is no information available about the battery size of the device. However, it is expected to arrive with support for 120W fast charging. On the connectivity front, the device is expected to include dual SIM support, 5G, Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, an IR blaster, a USB-C port, and dual stereo speakers.

Redmi K60 Ultra price (expected)

Xiaomi has yet to confirm the Redmi K60 Ultra’s launch date. In all likelihood, it may come with a starting price of 3,000 Yuan (~$414).

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Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Roundup: Specs, Design, and Price of the thinnest foldable

By

Anurag

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Aug 12, 2023

Foldable smartphones have come a long way from being a niche product to now appealing to the masses. Although Samsung is the market leader, Chinese manufacturers are leading the way in innovation. Honor recently unveiled the Magic V2, the thinnest book-style folding phone yet. But Xiaomi is about to dethrone it with the new Mix Fold 3.

The company has confirmed that the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 will launch in China on August 14, alongside the Redmi K60 Ultra. In anticipation of the official release, we have compiled all the available details of the upcoming foldable in this post. If you can’t contain your excitement like us, read on!

Design and Display

Book-style foldable smartphones have become increasingly popular with consumers. However, one thing that might deter some people from buying one is their thickness. Mainstream devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Fold 4 are thick enough to be considered two bar phones.

Xiaomi has focused on making its foldable devices as thin as possible. Last year’s Mix Fold 2 (review) measured just 11mm thick and weighed 262 grams. This year, Xiaomi is taking things to a new level with the Mix Fold 3. When unfolded, it will measure a svelte 4.93mm thick. And when folded, it will be an impressively sleek 9.8mm.

To put that in context, the current thinnest horizontal foldable out there, the Honor Magic V2, measures 4.7mm unfolded and 9.9mm folded. Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is also getting a revamped design with four separate camera rings on the back and flat sides all around.

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3’s slim profile is thanks to its innovative new hinge design. The hinge is made from a combination of tough high-strength steel and long-lasting carbon ceramic. It features a 3-stage connecting rod setup with 14 moving parts and 198 components. This is a significant improvement over the Mix Fold 2’s hinge, which had a simpler 2-stage design with 8 moving parts and 87 components.

The hinge on the Mix Fold 3 is also more versatile. You can stop the phone at any point between 45° and 135° when you open it halfway. And it’s incredibly durable. It has been tested by TÜV Rheinland and passed a durability test involving 500,000 folds.

As for the display, Xiaomi has announced that the Mix Fold 3 will have an 8.02-inch foldable AMOLED panel with a 2K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. The cover display will measure 6.5 inches and offer an FHD+ resolution.

Performance and Cameras

One obvious improvement in the hardware department is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip on the device. Mix Fold 2, for reference, uses Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. The chipset on the Mix Fold 3 could be paired with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Reports have claimed that the device will have an IP rating as well.

Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun also revealed that the Mix Fold 3 has impressive battery life. When a white image was continuously displayed on the internal screen at a brightness of 500 nits, the Mix Fold 3 lasted for 8 hours and 20 minutes before it powered off. This is 52 percent longer than the battery life of the previous generation Mix Fold. It could offer a total battery life of 1.34 days, however, the brand is yet to reveal the exact capacity. The smartphone could have 67W wired and 50W wireless charging.

The camera department is also star-studded this time. The Mix Fold 3 will be the company’s first foldable phone to feature a quad-camera unit with Leica’s optimizations. The main camera will be a 50-megapixel sensor, but it is not yet clear whether it will be the Sony IMX989 or IMX800 sensor. The camera setup will also include a periscope telephoto camera.

Expected Pricing

Although almost all details of the foldable have leaked online or have been revealed officially, its pricing still remains anyone’s guess. To give you an idea, the Mix Fold 2 has a starting price tag of Yuan 8,999 (~$1,335) for the base 256GB storage. The 512GB and 1TB storage options are priced at Yuan 9,999 (~$1,483) and Yuan 11,999 (~$1,780).

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Xiaomi Pad 6 Max Roundup: Here’s everything we know about the 14″ tablet

By

Sudhanshu

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Aug 12, 2023

Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 and Redmi K60 Ultra smartphones on August 14. Along with these smartphones, the brand will also be launching the Xiaomi Pad 6 Max, which is a large 14-inch tablet. This will be the largest tablet made by the brand to date. So, let’s take a look at what specs and features will be onboard.

Design & display

Starting with the design, the tablet will feature a flat, metal back with flat edges. It will have a square camera module on the back, which will look quite similar to the ones on the Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro. It will have two cutouts for sensors and a third one for an LED flash.

The main attraction of this tablet is its massive 14-inch display, which is second only to the Galaxy Tab S Ultra line. The tablet can be a good substitute for those looking for a large display tablet but don’t want to go the Samsung route. Although the exact display specs are yet to be confirmed, it is expected to have a 2K resolution, which is also the case with the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro. Xiaomi has also stated that the Max model will be 62% larger than the Pad 6 Pro. It is expected to have an LCD panel with 144Hz refresh rate.

Performance

Xiaomi has confirmed that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. Although it is not the bleeding edge of chip tech, it is still a respectable flagship chipset that came with a major performance bump compared to previous generation Snapdragon flagships. The chip especially has a powerful GPU, which means that it will make for a good gaming machine. That being said, gaming on a 14-inch tablet will likely be a challenge without hooking a controller.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Max Snapdragon 8 Plus gen 1

Xiaomi is not cutting any corners to make this tablet the ultimate entertainment machine as it has confirmed that there are eight speakers on board. The speakers are said to produce crystal clear sound where users will easily be able to tell the highs, mids, and bass apart.

The large tablet display will also require a lot of power, for which the brand has placed a massive 10,000mAh battery on the inside. It is rumored to have 67W fast charging capability, and the brand has confirmed that it will also support 33W reverse charging. It will also feature a Surge G1 battery management chip which is designed to improve battery life, battery longevity, and battery safety.

To keep the temperatures under control, the device will also feature a massive heat dissipation system with an area of 15839mm². This will enable users to perform heavy tasks and play games for extended periods without experiencing any thermal throttling.

The tablet will come with a detachable keyboard, which will essentially turn it into a laptop. Apart from having all the keys you find on a laptop, the keyboard will also have a trackpad which will act as a mouse. Xiaomi will also offer a Stylus to go along with the tablet. It has an interesting “Focus Button” which turns the Stylus into a virtual laser pointer.

Cameras details are currently under wraps, however, it is rumored that both the front and back side of the device will feature two sensors each. On the back, there will be a 50MP primary camera paired with a 2MP depth sensor to improve portrait shots. On the front, the device is rumored to come with a 30MP primary camera paired with a 3D ToF sensor, which will help with Face unlock.

Xiaomi has also said that the tablet will have a split-screen mode for using four apps at once and will come with a WPS Office PC for Pad to make it work like a computer for office tasks. Lastly, the device is expected to feature up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. More details like the pricing and availability will be confirmed on August 14, so stick around for our coverage of the launch event.

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Latest WhatsApp beta introduces a scheduled group call feature

By

Soumyakanti

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Aug 12, 2023

WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is stepping up its game with frequent updates and exciting new features. One notable development is the app’s move towards a more consistent user experience across iOS and Android platforms.

Effortlessly plan group calls on WhatsApp

The latest update, version 2.23.17.7, is being rolled out to beta testers through the Google Play Beta Program. The standout feature in this update is the ability to schedule calls in group chats. This new addition streamlines the process of planning and coordinating group calls, eliminating the need for extensive message exchanges to find a suitable time.

With the scheduled group call feature, users can initiate a call within their groups and set the call subject, date, and call type (video or voice). An event is automatically created in the group chat, and participants are notified 15 minutes before the scheduled call time. This ensures that everyone is prepared and available, reducing the chances of missed or delayed calls.

The scheduled group call feature is currently accessible to a limited set of beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta update via the Google Play Store. The company plans to gradually roll out this feature to a broader audience in the near future.

Beyond the scheduling feature, WhatsApp is also introducing a multi-account option for beta testers, allowing users to manage multiple accounts within the app. Additionally, the app is working on enhancing security by linking accounts to email addresses.

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Denon PerL and PerL Pro earbuds with Adaptive Acoustic Technology, ANC launched in China

By

Soumyakanti

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Aug 12, 2023

Denon has launched its PerL series TWS earbuds in China. The lineup comes with two models, Denon PerL and Denon PerL Pro. These earphones come equipped with advanced features such as Adaptive Acoustic Technology (AAT) from Masimo, boasting 32 hours of battery life, and catering to audiophiles seeking a personalized listening experience.

Denon PerL and Denon PerL Pro specifications:

The standout feature of the Denon PerL series is the integration of Masimo AAT adaptive acoustic technology, typically utilized in newborn hearing detection. Denon is the first to implement this precise measurement technology into headphones, ensuring a unique and optimized audio experience. The Denon headphones app complements this technology by enabling users to craft tailored sound profiles, delivering personalized custom-tuned audio to suit individual preferences.

Both the Denon PerL and Denon PerL Pro earbuds are equipped with 10mm drivers and active noise canceling (ANC). The earbuds weigh 8.6g, and the case dimensions are 72.4 x 30.2 x 35 mm, weighing 55.5g. The Denon PerL Pro features lossless audio via Qualcomm aptX and offers Dirac Virtuo spatial audio. While the Denon PerL provides a 6-hour battery life (24 hours with the case), the Denon PerL Pro offers an 8-hour battery life (32 hours with the case).

The earphones offer an extended battery life of 32 hours, making them ideal for prolonged use. With an IPX4 rating for water and sweat resistance, these earphones are suitable for various environments, including workouts and outdoor activities. The inclusion of multi-point connection capabilities allows users to seamlessly switch between devices without the hassle of constant re-pairing.

The earbuds also feature intuitive touch controls which provide an easy way to manage playback, adjust volume, and handle calls without needing to access a device.

The Denon PerL model is priced at 1699 yuan ($234), while the Denon PerL Pro is initially priced at 2699 yuan ($372), with a discounted price of 2599 yuan ($359) after applying a coupon.

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TECNO MegaBook T1 With Up To Core i7 SoC, 16GB RAM Announced In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Aug 12, 2023

TECNO has become the latest smartphone brand to foray into the laptop segment in India. The brand announced its first offering in the country called the MegaBook T1. The device was revealed alongside the POVA 5 series smartphones at the World Of TECNOlogy event. The MegaBook T1 was first launched at IFA last year. Read on to know what it offers out of the box.

TECNO MegaBook T1 specifications and features

The TECNO MegaBook T1 comes with a 15.6-inch display surrounded by thin bezels. It bears an FHD resolution and 350 nits peak brightness along with 100 percent sRGB color gamut and adaptive DC Dimming. Design-wise, it is 14.8mm thin and weighs just 1.48 kg. The lid of the laptop has a shiny strip running horizontally. The device has a fingerprint scanner for secure access.

The TECNO MegaBook T1 features a 2MP webcam. It is equipped with dual speakers with DTS immersive sound. There are also dual microphones and AI environmental noise cancellation for clear quality on calls.

Under the hood, the TECNO MegaBook T1 houses up to 11th generation Intel Core i7 processor. The laptop packs up to 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage. The device draws its power from a 70Wh battery cell with support for 65W fast charging. Software-wise, the MegaBook T1 runs on Windows 11 OS.

The TECNO MegaBook T1 has connectivity options like two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 3.1 port, two USB-C ports, an HDMI port, WiFi 6, and a 3.5mm jack.

TECNO has not revealed the pricing and availability of the MegaBook T1 laptop in India. However, the brand announced that it will be offered in Core i3 with 8GB + 512GB variant, Core i5 with 16GB + 512GB, and Core i7 with 16GB + 1TB configurations.

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Pixel Watch 2 models get listed on FCC with four different strap options

By

Simranpal Singh

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Aug 12, 2023

After several rumors, Google introduced Google Watch last year in October featuring Exynos 9110 SoC. It is considered to be a successful device if we go with sales and its limited availability across selected countries. Surprisingly, the Pixel Watch 2 is in the works, and recent leaks and rumors have hinted towards its extended release in some more countries. The Pixel Watch 2 has appeared (1, 2, 3) on FCC (Via GCHub) where a few more things have been unleashed.

Must See: Google Pixel Watch 2 watch faces and color scheme leak online

According to the FCC listing, there are three different Pixel Watch 2 Models – G4TSL, GC3G8, and GD2WG. Among these three, the GC3G8 and GD2WG are LTE-based variants and the G4TSL appears to be the Bluetooth/WiFi variant. Further, the documents of all three models mention four different straps including Plastic Active Strap, Metal mesh strap, Metal Link Strap, and Metal slim strap.

All three models were using a G1000 18W PD charger while testing, but this does not confirm the in-box availability.

Previous Leaks

Considering the previous leaks, the Pixel Watch 2 is expected to feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 platform, instead of the Exynos 9110 SoC. There will be a larger 306 mAh battery in comparison with the 294 mAh battery present on its predecessor.

A lot has been revealed via a recent Android Authority report which even unleashed the boot animation look of the Pixel Watch 2. Interestingly, the new watch is elected to bundle a 1.2-inch circular OLED display featuring 384×384 pixels resolution from Samsung Display. Google seems ditching BOE for Pixel Watch 2 display.

Google Pixel Watch 2 is set to feature Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support which will enable car unlocking using a Digital car key, improved device finding, and seamless media playback to Pixel Tablet in a dock and other Nest speakers. Further, it will bundle Android 13-based Wear OS 4.

The regulatory e-labels with BIS stamp point towards its India launch. However, the availability in other countries remains a mystery.

Redmi Pad SE gets closer to global launch with TDRA certification

By

Sudhanshu

-

Aug 12, 2023

Xiaomi has scheduled a launch event for August 14 in China, where the brand will be debuting the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, the Xiaomi Pad 6 Max, and the Redmi K60 Ultra. In addition to that, the brand is also expected to launch the Redmi Pad SE at this event. That being said, a new report has emerged revealing that the tablet will be heading to regions outside of China as well.

Redmi Pad SE could soon launch in UAE

The Redmi Pad SE with model number 23073RPBFG has cleared the TDRA certification. Although the certification does not reveal any specifications-related details, it does confirm that the tablet has been greenlit to launch in the UAE. We can expect the tablet to emerge on other regional certification databases in the coming days. For the time being, let’s check out the leaked specs and features of the tablet.

Redmi Pad SE specs (leaked)

As per a recent report, the Redmi Pad SE is said to boast an 11-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, offering a 90Hz refresh rate and a pixel density of 207ppi. It has a peak brightness of 400 nits, a contrast ratio of 1500:1, and a 70 percent NTSC color gamut coverage.

Powering the Redmi Pad SE is the Snapdragon 680 chip, complemented by 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. The tablet runs on Android 13, customized with the MIUI for Pad interface. Its 8,000mAh battery supports 10W charging via the USB-C port.

Photography-wise, the Redmi Pad SE houses an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera. For an enhanced auditory experience, the tablet features a quad-speaker system fine-tuned by Dolby Atmos. Unfortunately, there is no fingerprint scanner onboard, meaning users will have to rely on face unlock for security. Lastly, the tablet is said to come with stylus support.

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(via: TheTechOutlook)

MediaTek tests SK Hynix’s new LPDDR5T DRAM that outperforms Samsung’s LPDDR5X

By

Chetan

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Aug 12, 2023

Earlier this year, the South Korean memory chip manufacturer SK Hynix announced the arrival of their cutting-edge DRAM, claiming it would be the fastest DRAM in the market. In recent reports which have emerged online, it has been confirmed that this DRAM will be worth waiting for. Apparently, MediaTek has tested out the LPDDR5T chips with their upcoming processor and confirmed that the new LPDDR5T ( Low Power Double Data Rate 5 Turbo) is faster than anything else currently available in the market.

As per the reports, the LPDDR5T will have a 9.6 Gbps data rate, a 13 percent increase from the current generation LPDDR5X by Samsung. It operates at ultra-low voltages of 1.01 to 1.12V, which is 10% lower than the previous generation LPDDR5X. This makes LPDDR5T extremely power efficient while still providing fast speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps. It is also available in a variety of storage capacities, up to 16GB. This allows for high-performance mobile devices with plenty of storage space. SK Hynix has also provided samples of 16GB multi-chip packages, which combine multiple LPDDR5T chips into one package. This allows for even higher speeds and processing power, up to 77GB of data per second.

It is speculated that MediaTek has used the Dimensity 9300 SoC to test out the LPDDR5T DRAM from SK Hynix. Going by that logic, we can expect upcoming phones featuring the Dimensity 9300 SoC to also come with LPDDR5T DRAM onboard. Currently, the Vivo X100 and the X100 Pro are the likely candidates, as earlier leaks have revealed that these smartphones feature the Dimensity 9300 SoC. That being said, this is merely speculation at this point, so we suggest readers take it with a pinch of salt and stay tuned for more.

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Google Pixel 8 leaked teaser unveils “Magic Audio Eraser” for Noise-Free Videos

By

Chetan

-

Aug 12, 2023

The Google Pixel 7 made its debut in October of 2022, and it’s anticipated that the release of the Google Pixel 8 will follow a similar timeline. With the launch approaching, numerous leaks about the device have surfaced online. Now, a new leak has emerged showcasing a teaser video of the smartphone that introduces an intriguing new feature.

In a recent tweet by EZ, a new feature called “Audio Magic Eraser” has been revealed. This feature will allow users to record videos and reduce unwanted background noise. It’s the first time a smartphone will have something like this.

How will it work?

According to the teaser, when the user records a video, it will show an option saying “Audio Magic Eraser.” After clicking the option, the tool will process the video using AI and reveal options like Noise, People, and Music. “People” and “Music” functions are still unknown, but the Noise option will come in handy to eliminate unwanted background noises. We expect the people and music function to work similarly, where you will likely be able to remove the voice of a particular person or music from the video.

In other leaks, the device is reported to come with two available storage options, 128GB and 256GB, and a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2992 x 1344. Under the hood, the device is speculated to run on Google’s self-developed Tensor G3 chip. Lastly, the phone is rumored to have a 50MP rear primary camera and a 64MP IMX787 ultra-wide-angle lens to enhance user experience. We are still waiting for an official announcement from Google about the launch of the device, but according to the previous launch, we can expect the device to launch near the end of October. More leaks are yet to come, so stay tuned.

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Sony’s PlayStation 5 Slim image leaked online, Dual USB-C port, Split cover-plate & much more

By

Chetan

-

Aug 12, 2023

Sony’s PlayStation 5 was released in early November 2020. It recently took over the gaming market by releasing its PS exclusive games like God Of War Ragnarok, Ghost of Tsushima, and Demon’s Souls remake. Sony is yet to announce its PlayStation 5 Slim variant, but according to the leaks that have emerged online, we can finally see what the PlayStation 5 Slim might look like.

In a recent tweet by Andrew Marmo, we can see from the image what might potentially be the new PlayStation 5 Slim. In the image, we can see that the PS5 Slim will maintain a similar design but with a slightly reduced height (by 5cm) compared to the original PlayStation 5, which is not much. The most obvious change we can see from the image is split cover plates, which provide a more high-end look to the device. Besides the split cover plates, the device is rumored to feature a dual USB-C port. For those unaware, the current PlayStation 5 has only one USB-C port in front. Sony has not made a statement yet as to when we can expect the release of the PS5 Slim, but documents released during its legal battle against the FTC for the accusation of Activision Blizzard indicate that the console will be launching around the end of the year.

Sony’s PlayStation 5 Slim: Pricing and Availability

We’ll need to await Sony’s official announcement to learn about the device’s price and availability. However, according to speculations, the device’s cost might align with the current $400 price of the PlayStation 5 Digital (825GB storage). The package is expected to include 1 controller, 1 power cable, 1 HDMI cable, and a USB-C cable for charging the controller.

In related news, Sony has released its new PS5 Spider-Man 2 bundle available for pre-order, which is roughly $600. Sony may announce its new PS5 Slim soon, so stay tuned for more news.

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Zebronics launches Zeb-Thump 350 Trolley DJ Speaker with 40-watt output, priced at Rs 18,499

By

Soumyakanti

-

Aug 12, 2023

Zebronics has unveiled the Zeb-Thump 350 Trolley DJ Speaker, a powerful entertainment system priced at Rs 18,499. With a 40-watt sound output, the device promises a dynamic sound experience for users. Let’s check out the specs of this device.

Zebronics Zeb-Thump 350 Trolley DJ Speaker specifications:

The speaker system’s main attraction is its 30.48 cm full-range drivers coupled with a 2.52 cm tweeter driver. This combination ensures precise and clear acoustics, including impressive treble sounds. A rechargeable battery powers the speaker, boasting a life of about 12 hours at 50% volume with the LED off. Additionally, the LED indicators keep users informed about the remaining battery charge, adding a level of convenience.

One of the key features of the Zeb-Thump 350 is the TWS connection, allowing two speakers to be paired for doubled entertainment. The system also comes with a wireless microphone for on-the-go karaoke sessions, as well as a 6.3 mm input for wired mics, offering Karaoke Recording options.

Connectivity is versatile, with Bluetooth v5.0, USB, microSD, AUX, and FM options, along with dual microphone inputs. The eye-catching RGB LED lights and built-in LED display add to the visual appeal, and the lights can be controlled to match the mood.

The device supports various audio formats such as MP3, WAV, and WMA, coupled with control knobs for volume, bass, treble, mic volume, and echo, allowing for personalized audio adjustments to suit individual preferences.

The ZEB-Thump 350’s design also emphasizes portability, with a retractable handle and wheels, making transportation convenient. The packaging box includes a remote control, AUX cable, wireless microphone, charging cable, and QR code guide for easy setup and usage.

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Indian Smartphone Market Sees a Significant Shift In 2023, Premium Segment Thrives

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

-

Aug 12, 2023

After years, the Indian smartphone market is undergoing a significant transformation. A lot has changed over the last few quarters.

The brand that used to rule the market is no longer at the top. The average selling price has risen due to consumers’ preference for more expensive devices.

Although the top five brands are the same as before, their order has changed.

Let’s go through the current status of the Indian smartphone market, as per the latest IDC report.

New Market Leader

According to IDC’s Q2 2023 report on the Indian smartphone market, Vivo is currently the leading brand in the country with a 16% market share. Samsung follows closely behind with a 15.7% market share.

Xiaomi, which had been in charge of the market for years, held this position prior to a year ago. But right now, the company is fifth in the market with 11% market share.

Realme and Oppo are in the third and fourth spots, respectively. The former has a 12.6% market share, while the latter has the same share as Xiaomi.

OnePlus, Apple, Poco, Tecno, and Infinix make up the top 10. Poco registered the highest YoY growth of 76.5% YoY, piggybacking on its entry-level C series phones. Whereas, Vivo’s success is attributed to the V series handsets.

Decline in Shipments

In the first half of 2023, the Indian smartphone market shrank to 64 million units. Shipments fell 10% year on year.

Similarly, shipments fell 3% year on year to 34 million units in Q2 2023. However, the market increased by 10% over the previous quarter.

The most affected brand was Xiaomi, with a whopping 39.4% drop compared to last year, followed by Realme with a 29.8% decline. Oppo and Samsung also registered declines of 7.4% and 6.2%, respectively.

Xiaomi and Realme faced difficulties as online shipments dropped by 15% YoY.

Despite vendors and channels focusing on inventory clearance, shipments fell. They tried by providing discounts, special schemes, and price drops.

However, what’s interesting is that offline shipments grew by 11% in India and hit a 54% market share.

Shift towards Premium

The IDC data shows that the cheaper phones struggled while the premium ones prospered in India over the past few months. The average selling price (ASP) reached $241 in the second quarter of 2023. This marks a 13% increase in the ASP as compared to last year.

Consequently, it’s not surprising to see that the market share of the cheaper, sub-$200 smartphones went down to 65% from 70% YoY. While the premium category ($600+) registered the highest growth of 75% YoY. Overall, the premium smartphone segment increased its market share in India by 9%.

When you look at the mid-range segment, which consists of phones between $200 and $400, it didn’t see any growth from its 22% market share last year. This might come as a surprise given how we’ve seen many smartphones from different brands in this segment.

However, as mentioned above, the more expensive category, namely the upper mid-range segment ($400-$600), saw a significant growth of 34%, taking its market share to 5%.

When you look at the brands that did well, it’s no surprise that the premium ones like Apple and OnePlus saw significant growth in the first half of 2023. Apple had the highest ASP of $929 and grew by 61.1% YoY. OnePlus registered the same amount of growth as Apple. It’s worth adding that despite the solid growth, OnePlus’ ASP fell by 14% YoY to $346.

IDC Research Manager Upasana Joshi notes affordable financing options as the driving factor behind consumers’ preference for premium smartphones.

5G and Beyond

Looking at the data about 5G phones, India saw around 17 million 5G smartphones in Q2 2023 with an ASP of $366. Though the number sounds huge, the 5G market actually witnessed a decline of 3% over last year.

Brands like Samsung, Vivo, and OnePlus held the 5G segment together with a 54% market share. But when it comes to the highest-shipped 5G model, the Apple iPhone 13 took the lead, followed by the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite.

The 5G segment could see a significant push in the coming months, with brands planning to launch affordable 5G devices in H2 2023. The upcoming festive season could also turn out to be a driving factor for more shipments with discounts, pre-order offers, and upgrade bonuses.

As you can imagine, the above data indicates that the Indian smartphone market might actually shrink in 2023. For the market to grow in 2023, it needs strong double-digit growth in the next few months. But Navkendar Singh, Associate Vice President of IDC, thinks it is unlikely right now.

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Redmi K60 Ultra to get special white version with different colored frame

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Aug 12, 2023

Redmi is launching the K60 Ultra smartphone in China on August 14th, along with its latest foldable, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3. The company has already revealed some of the phone’s specifications. But now a company executive on Weibo has announced that there will also be a special white version of the phone.

The white version of the Redmi K60 Ultra will have a different colored frame than the rest of the phone. The executive didn’t share any images of this edition of the smartphone, but we can expect to learn more soon.

So far, Redmi has only revealed the green and black color variant of the K60 Ultra. The phone has flat frames and curved corners, which makes it comfortable to hold. The back has a square-shaped camera island with three lenses.

Rounding up the smartphone’s specifications, teasers have confirmed that the phone will have a 144Hz display with 1.5K resolution and a peak brightness of up to 2600 nits. It will also have 2880Hz ultra-high frequency PWM dimming. The phone will be available with up to 24GB of LDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It will also be water-resistant to IP68 standards, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes.

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MediaTek Dimensity 9300 rumored to debut in October, aims to outperform Apple A17

By

Soumyakanti

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Aug 12, 2023

MediaTek is gearing up to launch the Dimensity 9300 chipset, a move that’s drawing attention for its unique all-big-core architecture. According to Digital Chat Station, the chipset is expected to launch in October.

All-Big-Core Architecture Aims to Outperform Apple A17

The tipster also reveals that the chipset will feature an 8-core CPU design consisting of 4 Cortex-X4 and 4 Cortex-A720 cores along with Immortalis G720 GPU. The departure from smaller cores is expected to boost performance and reduce power consumption.

The Dimensity 9300’s Cortex-X4 cores are predicted to offer a 15% performance improvement and a 40% reduction in power consumption. Additionally, the Cortex-A720 cores are expected to achieve a 20% increase in energy efficiency.

Built using TSMC’s N4P process, the Dimensity 9300 aims to outperform Apple’s A17 chip by cutting paper-based power consumption by over 50%. The transition to pure 64-bit processing will likely result in smoother smartphone performance and reduced power usage.

SK Hynix’s LPDDR5T mobile DRAM has demonstrated its capabilities on the Dimensity 9300 platform, achieving speeds of 9.6Gbps – a 13% increase over the previous generation. This advancement could debut in Vivo’s X100 series, potentially enhancing Android performance.

The Dimensity 9300 is set to launch before Qualcomm’s 2023 Snapdragon Summit, where the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is anticipated. Rumors suggest that the vivo X100 series might host the global debut of the Dimensity 9300. As the release date approaches, the chipset promises notable smartphone performance and efficiency advancements.

DCS also suggests that Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will be expensive so some manufacturers might use older Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Dimensity platforms in new devices. This way, they can save money while still being efficient.

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iQOO Z7 Pro 5G Teaser Reveals Front Design & Potential Metal Frame Ahead of August 31 Indian Launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Aug 12, 2023

The iQOO Z7 Pro 5G smartphone is scheduled to go official on August 31 in India. The device is rumored to make its debut in the fiercely competitive Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 segment. After revealing the partial design of the smartphone through early teasers, the brand has now revealed the complete look of the device from the front.

In a recent tweet, iQOO shared an image of their upcoming Z7 Pro 5G smartphone. It has a curved display with thin borders. The frame seems to be made of metal. At the bottom, you’ll find the SIM tray, a USB-C port, and a speaker hole. The back design is still under wraps, but we should learn more as the launch gets closer. While we wait, here are the leaked specs for the phone.

iQOO Z7 Pro 5G specs (rumored)

The iQOO Z7 Pro 5G is said to feature a curved 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It offers a Full HD+ resolution and a tall 20:9 aspect ratio. The back of the phone will likely hold a dual-camera system with a main 64-megapixel sensor and a secondary 2-megapixel shooter. For selfies, a 16-megapixel front camera will be available.

Inside, it’s expected to house the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC, along with options for 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. A recent report revealed that the phone can cross 700,000 points on AnTuTu with ease. Running on a 4,600mAh battery, the phone supports rapid 66W charging. Operating on Android 13 with the Funtouch OS 13 customized interface, the device is likely to provide a smooth user experience.

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Honor brings earthquake warning functionality to its smartphones in China

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 12, 2023

Honor has announced that its earthquake warning functionality is now available for its smartphones in China. When enabled, this feature will send users a notification if the estimated intensity of the earthquake is lower than 2.0 magnitude. If the estimated intensity is higher than 2.0 degrees, users will receive a full-screen pop-up window with a different color depending on the magnitude of the earthquake.

For instance, the color red will indicates a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5 or greater. Orange will indicate a moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 3 to 5. And yellow will indicate a weak earthquake with a magnitude of 2 to 3. The color of the pop-up window can help users quickly judge the severity of the earthquake and take appropriate action.

Likewise, when an earthquake’s shear wave arrives, the pop-up window on the phone will display emergency shelters, emergency contacts, and a shortcut to your personal emergency information.

To enable the earthquake warning function on Honor smartphones, users can go to Settings > Security > Emergency Warning Notification and turn on the Earthquake Warning option. Your device will then play an alarm sound to test the function. After listening to the alarm sound, users can click Agree.

Honor says that this service requires an internet connection and location services to be turned on. This is so that the phone can obtain device and location information to send earthquake warning messages. Honor’s earthquake warning feature is currently available for its smartphones in all of China, except Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.

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iPhone 14 Users Report Rapid Battery Degradation

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 12, 2023

The iPhone 14 series has been on the market for less than a year, but some users are already reporting battery health issues. A growing number of people have noticed that their phone’s battery health is degrading faster than previous generations. In some cases, battery health has decreased by as much as 10%. This looks concerning, as it suggests that the iPhone 14’s battery may not last as long as previous models.

iPhone 14 Battery Degradation Issue

CreativeBloq first reported that many iPhone 14 users are taking to social media to complain about their battery health. Sam Kohl of Apple news outlet AppleTrack said that his iPhone 14 Pro’s battery health is now at 90% in less than a year, which he described as “unacceptable.”

I’ve had my iPhone 14 Pro for LESS than a year…this is actually unacceptable 😡 pic.twitter.com/rKkvW6Z60v
— Sam Kohl (@iupdate) August 1, 2023

Another user Andrew Clare also showed that his iPhone 14 Pro lost 10% of its battery health in almost a year, compared to 15% for his two-year-old iPhone 14 Pro. Replies to Sam’s and Andrew Clare’s posts tell a similar story, with many iPhone 14 users reporting rapid battery degradation. In contrast, older iPhones seem to be holding up much better.

There is no clear explanation for why iPhone 14 users are experiencing rapid battery degradation. It could be due to an individual’s usage pattern since some users use their device more rigorously and charge it more frequently. Another reason might be the climatic conditions since many countries have seen record-hot summers this year. However, not all iPhone 14 users are experiencing this issue. Some users have said that their iPhone 14 batteries are holding up better than their previous models.

This is not the first time that we have heard about battery problems with the iPhone 14. In May, we reported that many iPhone 14 Pro users, as well as iPhone 13 users, were reporting severe battery swelling issues. It seems that the number of unhappy customers is growing.

Apple has not yet commented on the matter. The iPhone 15 series is expected to be released next month, and many are hoping that it will provide an improvement.

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Google to bring Apple’s continuity-like features to Android

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 12, 2023

Apple users have long enjoyed the convenience of having their devices seamlessly work together. Thanks to features like Handoff, Sidecar, Universal Clipboard, and call continuity, Apple users can easily start a task on one device and pick it up on another. Google is now looking to level the playing field with its own cross-device linking feature for Android.

Google to introduce Apple’s Continuity-like feature for Android

Google’s upcoming feature is still under development, but it is rumored to be called “Link Your Devices.” Discovered by Nail Sadykov and reported by Mishaal Rahman, this new feature would allow users to use multiple Android devices in sync, as long as they are signed into the same Google account.

You may soon be able to "link your [Android] devices" signed into the same Google account together. This will enable "call switching", which lets you switch between devices for calls, as well as "Internet sharing"!

H/T @Nail_Sadykov pic.twitter.com/WCunYNE9GQ
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) August 10, 2023

However, Android users may not be able to enjoy the same level of continuity as Apple users, due to the different ways that the two operating systems are designed. Apple has tight control over its hardware and software, which allows it to tightly integrate its products and create a seamless user experience.

Android, on the other hand, is an open-source operating system, which means that there is more variation in the hardware and software that is available. This makes it more difficult for Google to create a unified continuity experience across all Android devices.

So far, two features of “Link Your Devices” have been spotted: Call switching and Internet sharing. Call switching would allow users to switch between calls on their Android phones without missing a beat. Whereas, Internet sharing might enable users to configure a personal hotspot that can be shared easily with their own Android devices.

Call switching for Android might look similar to Apple’s iPhone Mobile Calls feature in that it allows users to answer calls on their other devices. However, there could be one key difference. Google’s feature might only be available for Android phones and not Chromebooks. While Apple’s feature works with all their devices, be it iPads or Macs. Regardless, Rahman believes that the call-switching feature could be powered by the Telecom Jetpack library. The “Link Your Devices” feature will appear under Settings > Google > Devices & Sharing. This feature is not live yet, and it’s not clear when it will be. It might land as part of Android 14, or it could be released later, perhaps as a feature drop.

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Addmotor CityTri E-310 trike launched with an affordable price tag

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Aug 12, 2023

The Addmotor CityTri E-310 trike has been launched. The new Addmotor electric trike comes with a design that is a sharp departure from its previous three-wheelers. It however bears a close semblance with the Lectric XP Trike.

Addmotor previously released the M-340 trike priced at $2,999. The new CityTri E-310 will be offered at a significantly lower price. It is a folding electric trike and features higher performance specs than its predecessor. The CityTri E-310 trike has a top speed of 32km/h and is 10km/h faster than the Lectric XP Trike. At such a speed, however, the E-310 requires greater care and control from the rider. The trike has a 750W hub motor mounted similar to the Lectric XP’s drivetrain. The motor offers a more centralized weight balance and allows for the use of a rear differential for two-wheel drive.

The CityTri E-310 trike has a 20Ah battery that delivers up to 960Wh of power and has a range of 145km. Addmotor says that the battery of the E-310 is UL-listed although this could actually mean that the Samsung cells are UL-listed. The trike has a larger front tire than its rear tires. Two variants of the model are available based on their wheel sizes. The larger model comes with a 20-inch front tire and 18-inch rear tires. The smaller model has an 18-inch front tire and 16-inch rear tires. The e-trike features triple-disc brakes as well as a fender set, parking brake, front suspension, a horn, and a bell.

Addmotor CityTri E-310 trike Pricing & Availability

The Addmotor CityTri E-310 trike is available on pre-order in five color options via the Addmotor website. It is priced at $1,999 and is offered with some additional accessories during the pre-order period. The pre-order period for the E-310 ends on August 15.

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